How to calculate your boxing reach: complete guide

Length is like your boxing superpower. Imagine you're in a boxing ring, facing your opponent. With good reach, you can hit him without him hitting you. It's like having an invisible shield and a long-range sword. We're going to break down this concept so that you can not only understand its importance, but also use it to become your local ring hero. It's a key tool for mastering the art of boxing, and I'm going to show you how to use it to dominate your opponents.

What is stretch in boxing?

First, let's define extension. Think of your arms as the claws of an eagle; reach is the maximum distance between your shoulder and the end of your fist, with your arm outstretched. It's what determines whether you can strike your opponent while staying out of range of his blows. The greater your reach, the more you can control the fight from a distance. It's an essential tactical advantage, allowing you to strike without being struck. Think of it as your hit your personal domain, where you reign supreme.

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How do you measure your length?

Measuring your reach is child's play. Stand with your arm stretched out horizontally and ask someone to measure from your shoulder to the end of your fist. Do it on both sides to see if there's a difference. Sometimes one arm can be slightly longer than the other, and that's good to know for your fighting strategy. This measurement will give you a clear idea of your reach in combat and allow you to start developing strategies based on this key physical characteristic.

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The importance of reach in relation to your boxing style

Coordination is like making music with your body. Every movement must be in perfect harmony. Exercises like jump tug-of-war, or boxing moves with the help of a pair of weight will help you synchronise your movements. It makes each punch not only fast, but fluid and natural.

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Examples of famous boxers and their reach

Let's look at a few legendary examples. Muhammad AliWith his impressive length of 1m98, he was a master of distance. He could hit his opponents while dancing out of their reach. His style was elegant, almost poetic. Mike Tyson, on the other hand, had a less advantageous reach of 1m80, but he made up for it with incredible power and speed. He closed quickly and devastated his opponents with powerful punches. These two legends show how reach can define very different but equally effective styles.

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Techniques for using your reach to your advantage

Understanding your length is great, but knowing how to use it is even better. That's where things get really interesting.

For boxers with a long reach

With a shorter reach, your game changes completely. You need to be agile, quick and know how to slip inside your opponent's guard. Think of fighters like Joe Frazier or Rocky Marciano, who used to get in close to unleash storms of blows. It's a delicate dance where every step counts, and where your ability to take a blow and deliver a better one makes all the difference.

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For boxers with a shorter reach

With a shorter reach, your game changes completely. You need to be agile, quick and know how to slip inside your opponent's guard. Think of fighters like Joe Frazier or Rocky Marciano, who used to get in close to unleash storms of blows. It's a delicate dance where every step counts, and where your ability to take a blow and deliver a better one makes all the difference.

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Exercises to improve the use of your lunge

To maximise your reach, train specifically. If you have a long reach, work on your jab, your mobility and your ability to hit from a distance. Do exercises to improve your reaction speed and your ability to judge distance. If you have a short reach, concentrate on lateral movement, dodging and getting into your opponent's guard quickly. Use drills to improve your speed, explosive power and ability to take blows as you close the distance.

Length, a key element in becoming a boxing ace

In short, your reach is a crucial factor in boxing. It's a powerful tool that, once mastered, can transform the way you fight. Whether you've got arms as long as poles or as short as hammers, there's always a way to use what you've got to your advantage. Measure it, understand it, and train to make the most of it. With determination and practice, you can use your reach to become a formidable opponent in the ring. Remember, boxing is as much an art as a sport, and reach is one of your most important tools!

Sources : Punching bag boxing